Barrett's Esophagus with Hiatal Hernia found before banding

[crystalschnarr 7]

I went in for my EGD or Upper GI scope because I suffer from Gastric Reflux. As many of you probably know most or all doctor's require it as part of the pre-surgical workup. They do these to check for several different issues. I was diagnosed with Reflux in 2010 but had been suffereing from daily boughts of reflux before that. It had finally reached a point where I couldn't sleep because of it. During my Upper GI my surgeon found severe irritation and a hiatal hernia. He took biopsies and found it to be Barrett's Esophagus with highly reactive cells (pre-cancerous). He mentioned doing a bypasss instead of the band now. Has anyone had this issue? If so how did it all work out for you? I go on Feb 7th for a consult with a Gastroenterologist and to have further testing done. My wls has been post-poned until my esophagus has been taken care of. Any and all input is greatly appreciated.

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

Sorry to hear of your problems. The doctors will surely recommend the best solution for you. Good Luck!

[destynee1 417]

I had a haital hernia, and they took care of it while they did the band. They said it was effecting the esophagus also. My surgeon suggested I also get the bypass, I choose against it because I really did not want to have such a drastic surgery. Didn't want to have anything cut or anything that couldn't be reversed. I choose to stick to the lap band because to me it was safer and reversable yet can be a lifelong tool. He said, you are going to have to try harder and eat better, I said I will do that! So after the surgery.. No more reflux! I never even knew what a hiatal hernia was! Just one day I had bad reflux over any and everything! it was horrible . Now.. nothing and it feels wonderful let me tell you.

Wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide to do.!

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

You might want to read Jean's story. She had to have her band removed due to 20+ years of acid reflux and the effect on her esophagus. It sounds kinda similar to what you have.

Have a look at her post here on this thread: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/163708-band-it-or-sleeve-it/#entry1923280

Not that I'm trying to talk you out of the band, believe me I'm not. But I'd really hate to see you go through what Jean went through.

Best wishes.

[Maddysgram 6,159]

I went in for my EGD or Upper GI scope because I suffer from Gastric Reflux. As many of you probably know most or all doctor's require it as part of the pre-surgical workup. They do these to check for several different issues. I was diagnosed with Reflux in 2010 but had been suffereing from daily boughts of reflux before that. It had finally reached a point where I couldn't sleep because of it. During my Upper GI my surgeon found severe irritation and a hiatal hernia. He took biopsies and found it to be Barrett's Esophagus with highly reactive cells (pre-cancerous). He mentioned doing a bypasss instead of the band now. Has anyone had this issue? If so how did it all work out for you? I go on Feb 7th for a consult with a Gastroenterologist and to have further testing done. My wls has been post-poned until my esophagus has been taken care of. Any and all input is greatly appreciated.

I had this years before I even considered the band. I had silent reflux and never felt anything. When they did an EGD they found the erosion. I had to take 2 Prilosec a day and watch my diet and went back 1mth later and it was healed up. I still take 1 Prilosec a day since then.

Fast forward to present, my bariatric surgeon got my records from GI and found no reason not to do hernia repair and banding.

So maybe there is still hope, so wait until you see your Dr and get full report.

But I agree with Missy and talk with Jean and see how her story goes.